Today was Nathan’s first Rolfing appointment.
The verdict: INCREDIBLE!
Let me tell you the story of how I took Nathan to his first rolfing appointment. About 8 months ago I started going to a hot yoga studio. There is a table there with a bunch of flyers. I noticed one that said “rolfing” but I had no idea what it was. 4 months later one of my good friends started talking to me about rolfing, she did a 10 session series and was RAVING about it. But genius that I am, I didn’t make the connection between that in the flyer in the yoga studio. 2 months later I noticed the flyer and thought, hmmm, how interesting, I could really use this, as my posture is terrible. But I lost the flyer and that was that. Then about 2 weeks ago I picked up the flyer again and something in my body told me to call that minute. I called and the guy said, sorry, I don’t work with children. I called him back and said, you have to work with my son. He said, ok, I’m willing to try.
So today we went and I have to say WOW. It is the FIRST appointment where Nathan is just happy to be on his back while he is massaged. Usually he is defensive and doesn’t like to be touched and massaged. It took him about 5 minutes but he quickly developed a rapport and a trust for Tom.
I entertained him playing with my keys while Tom worked on him. After a little while, he was paying more attention to the massage than the keys! As Tom worked on his shoulder he started laughing. And soon I noticed that his arms were loooooooooooong and not tight. It was incredible to physically watch the results of the work!
By the end of the session, his arms were long, his neck longer, and his shoulders were pushed back away from his chest. It was incredible. And Nathan was happy the entire time!
I think we have hit the bulls eye and found not just a winner therapy but also an amazing therapist. The guy is a gem. Kind, gentle, spiritual, beautiful energy.
So I am happy to report that we have found one of the last missing pieces of Nathan’s puzzle. Rolfing addresses the structural part. ABR was just not right for us and I think we can replace ABR with rolfing, as it also works on the fascia and connective tissue.
Here is some more info on Rolfing:
Named after its founder, Dr. Ida P. Rolf, Rolfing Structural Integration is a form of bodywork that reorganizes the connective tissues, called fascia, that permeate the entire body.
More than fifty years ago, Dr. Rolf recognized that the body is inherently a system of seamless networks of tissues rather than a collection of separate parts. These connective tissues surround, support and penetrate all of the muscles, bones, nerves and organs. Rolfing works on this web-like complex of connective tissues to release, realign and balance the whole body.
Essentially, the Rolfing process enables the body to regain the natural integrity of its form, thus enhancing postural efficiency and your freedom of movement.
Rolfing Structural Integration has the ability to dramatically alter a person’s posture and structure. Rolfing can potentialy resolve discomfort, release tension and alleviate pain. Rolfing aims to restore flexibility, revitalize your energy and leave you feeling more comfortable in your body.
Athletes, dancers, children, business professionals, and people from all walks of life have benefited from Rolfing. People seek Rolfing as a way to ease pain and chronic stress, and improve performance in their professional and daily activities. It’s estimated that more than 1 million people have received Rolfing work.
Research has demonstrated that Rolfing creates a more efficient use of the muscles, allows the body to conserve energy, and creates more economical and refined patterns of movement. Research also shows that Rolfing significantly reduces chronic stress and changes in the body structure. For example, a study showed that Rolfing significantly reduced the spinal curvature of subjects with lordosis (sway back); it also showed that Rolfing enhances neurological functioning.
I leave you with this video of Nathan playing by himself this morning: